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Sunflower Allergy - Causes, Symptoms, And Cure

Sunflower Allergy symptoms can be triggered by ingesting the seeds present in a number of garnishes or bakery products. Sunflower oil can also be harmful and trigger allergic reactions in certain highly sensitive individuals. The honey extract along with the hairy part can also harbor deadly allergens.

Reasons for Sunflower Allergy

Almost 10 allergens have been identified from sunflower until now. The most recent discovery has identified the 2S methionine-rich protein of the sunflower seeds as an allergen along with Hel a 1 and Hel a 2 which are pollen proteins. These proteins are identified as harmful entities resulting in a number of painful and discomforting symptoms.

The possibility of being allergic to the sunflower and related products may be enhanced if you have :-

A history of Hay Fever

Allergy to Ragweed, Mugwort and Dandelions

Family members who are allergic to certain food products.

Sunflower Allergy Symptoms

The adverse bodily reactions to the allergens present in the sunflower result in a number of allergic symptoms which can range from simple skin rashes to fatal anaphylactic shock.

Runny nose and streaming eyes

Itching of skin

Skin Hives

Eczema

Asthma

Shortness of Breath

Sneezing and Coughing

Headache

Sinusitis

Redness of the face and inflammation

Tingling around the lips

Abdominal Cramps

Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Reduced Blood Pressure

Loss of Consciousness leading to anaphylaxis.

Diagnosis of Sunflower Allergy

The allergy can be cond\firmed by an allergist who usually conducts a few tests on the patient. Common tests to diagnose the allergy include:-

Mold Tests- Checking the lungs and nasal passage for the presence of molds which cause breathing problems. These molds can be inhaled along with the pollens trigerring off allergic symptoms.

Skin Prick Tests- A part of the suspected allergen is introduced into the body by means of a skin prick. Adverse reaction occurs if it is the cause of allergy.

Blood Tests- Blood tests are conducted to check the presence of immunoglobulin E which is formed when there is an allergen within the body.

Food Intolerance Tests- Foods commonly causing allergy are given to the patient and the diagnosis arrived at by the trial and error method.

Treating Sunflower Allergy Symptoms

Avoiding sunflower in all forms including ingesting seeds, oil and coming in contact with te pollen.

Margarine and bakery products need to be avoided as the products use sunflower oil and seeds respectively.

Handling of animal feeds containing the offending seeds can be dangerous for people allergic to sunflowers.

OTC Anti Histamine Drugs can relieve the breathing problems to an extent.

Medication for Asthma is required when there is shortness of breath coupled with wheezing.

Calamine lotion or corticosteroids can offer relief from itching and skin rashes when applied topically.

Epinephrine injections in case of anaphylaxis is a necessity as the condition may become life threatening.

It is not impossible to treat yourself or your loved ones if you find the symptoms of sunflower allergy plaguing you.